An ornamental butterfly pavilion with a unique biomorphic outer shell is part of a large transmedia landscape park under construction on Noor Island in the UAE.

This ornamental pavilion houses more than 500 butterfly species in a unique biosphere enveloped in a freeform 3D frame made up of 4000 golden aluminum leaves. The Butterfly Pavilion is part of a landscape park located on Noor Island in the middle of the capital of Sharjah in the UAE, designed by German studio 3deluxe.

The Butterfly Pavilion features a golden roof that flows over a glass cube housing an artificial rainforest ecosystem. This inner 230sqm space is populated by over 500 exotic butterfly species, with patches of tropical plants as part of a 3D-modeled surface decorated with ornamental prints flowing along the floor and the walls. Thermoformed KRION® mineral material was used to create a custom-made 3D puzzle that emulates the ornamental design of the roof.

The outer shell is a load-bearing 3D frame with over 4000 golden aluminum leaves of varying sizes that helps to regulate the climate by providing shading and supporting the chimney effect that funnels hot air over the roof and facade. The light that permeates the leafy canopy creates a rainforest-like atmosphere. Organically shaped skylights, part of the steel structure, offer views through the roof and add more light into the interior.

The Butterfly Pavilion was opened in December 2015, the first on the island, with more themed pavilions to follow soon.